LASAR is without power and internet for 5 days (10/9)

[EricJ]

50 minutes ago, GeeBee said:

I have in fact lost 2 million in pension assets to a bankruptcy. However, I chose to continue employment with a sinking company. In the private sector all transactions, regardless if you are creditor or customer are at will. No such status exists for the public sector. Try telling them you are at will and don’t wish to participate any more and you will find men with guns on your doorstep telling you to participate or be Wesley Snipe’s cell mate.

Not always so.   The previously cited Veteran's Administration is one example.

Edit:   There've been plenty of monopolies in the private sector, too.  When they get too big the gov't may break them up, and the FTC et al (gov't agencies) monitor mergers in order to try to prevent it.  

Edited October 20, 2019 by EricJ

[Hank]

39 minutes ago, EricJ said:

Not always so.   The previously cited Veteran's Administration is one example.

I think @GEE-BEE was talking about contributing to government programs, not receiving services. Even the VA is funded by our Federal Income Taxes, good luck reducing yiur contributions to ineffective, mismanaged government programs . . . .

[EricJ]

6 minutes ago, Hank said:

I think @GEE-BEE was talking about contributing to government programs, not receiving services. Even the VA is funded by our Federal Income Taxes, good luck reducing yiur contributions to ineffective, mismanaged government programs . . . .

True, we often don't get to pick where our money is spent or to whom it goes, e.g., pensions, 401ks, insurers, title/escrow, banks, etc., etc.   There are many ways besides gov't to be dissatisfied with how your money is spent, and many cases where we have little or no control.   On smaller, more relevant scales, we often see the stories here about the only A&P or IA available at a field or how FBOs make their money.   At least with the gov't you can vote for relevant management. 

[GeeBee]

Thank you Hank, I was and the VA is an excellent example where you do not have to participate, but you do have to contribute under pain of loss of liberty.

 

 

[Yetti]

I got a $52.00  check from the Enron Retirement Fund last year.

[GeeBee]

How much did you put in?

 

 

[ilovecornfields]

Took a quick trip to SBA today for $100 sushi. Clear when I took off but MVFR due to smoke 30 min later. Someone reported smoke to SBA approach and the controller’s response was amusing “Yes. There’s smoke everywhere. I think all of California is on fire right now.”